CLERMONT, Fla. – The Neumann University softball team swept opening day with two wins at the Spring Games. The Knights defeated Russell Sage College 6-2 and the University of Dubuque 4-1 in eight innings.
After a scoreless first inning, the Gators plated two runs in the top of the second. The Knights answered with two runs in the bottom of the second as
Alyssa Celi hit a two-run single to score
Elizabeth Shire and
Maddie Tice.
In the bottom of the third,
Bri Reim led off with a triple and scored on a double by
Kristen Pagliaro. Pagliaro scored on a sacrifice fly by Tice for a 4-2 Neumann lead. The Knights added an unearned run in the fourth and another in the sixth for the 6-2 win.
Ashlynne Scardino allowed two runs on six hits for the win. Reim, Scardino and Shire all had two hits in the game.
Dubuque opened the scoring in game two with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the third. Shire led off the fourth with a triple. With the bases loaded,
Tori Spinella reached on a fielders choice for her first collegiate RBI as Shire scored.
Thet teams would remain tied through seven innings, despite chances on both sides. The Spartans hit a triple in the bottom of the seventh, but the runner was out at home on the next play on a fielders choice.
In the top of the eighth,
Sam Passalaqua pinch ran and started at second. Shire singled to lead off the inning and stole second for runners at second and third.
Olivia Ammon singled to knock in Passalaqua for her first collegiate run, and Shire for a 3-1 Neumann lead. Spinella doubled with two outs to knock in Ammon and a 4-1 lead.
The Spartans lined into a double-play and struck out in the bottom of the eighth. Ammon allowed one run on seven hits over eight innings. She struck out two, including to end the game with a strikeout looking.
Neumann (2-0) is right back at it tomorrow when it will face Simmons University and Emmanuel College beginning at 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM.
